AWACS aircraft provide an integrated command and control battle management, surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform. The aircraft provides an accurate, real-time picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center.

The upgrade provides three principal benefits to the warfighter. It ensures compliance with current and future air traffic control requirements, giving the aircraft broader access to conduct battle management operations in airspace around the world. It resolves non-sustainable analog equipment with commercially viable digital avionics, replacing 1970s-era systems; and it also reduces cockpit crew personnel from four to three by automating the navigation function.Read more....